Topical Bible: Offerings: The Conversion of the Gentiles

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The concept of offerings in the context of the conversion of the Gentiles is a significant theme in the New Testament, reflecting the expansion of God's covenant to include all nations. This theme is rooted in the Old Testament promises and finds fulfillment in the New Testament through the ministry of Jesus Christ and the apostles.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies and promises regarding the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. Isaiah 49:6 declares, "I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth." This prophetic vision sets the stage for the eventual inclusion of the Gentiles as recipients of God's grace and participants in His covenant.

The Ministry of Jesus

Jesus' ministry laid the groundwork for the conversion of the Gentiles. Although His earthly ministry was primarily directed toward the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24), He also demonstrated openness to Gentiles. In Matthew 8:10-11, Jesus commends the faith of a Roman centurion, saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven."

The Great Commission

The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, explicitly commands the disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations." This directive underscores the universal scope of the gospel and the inclusion of Gentiles in the new covenant community. The apostles were to baptize and teach all nations, signifying the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers.

The Acts of the Apostles

The Book of Acts chronicles the early church's efforts to fulfill the Great Commission, highlighting key moments in the conversion of the Gentiles. In Acts 10, the apostle Peter receives a vision that leads him to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. Peter declares, "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right" (Acts 10:34-35). The Holy Spirit's outpouring on Cornelius and his household confirms God's acceptance of Gentiles.

The Apostle Paul

Paul, known as the apostle to the Gentiles, played a pivotal role in spreading the gospel beyond Jewish communities. In Romans 15:16, Paul describes his ministry as a "priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit" . This imagery of Gentiles as an offering highlights their inclusion in the worship and service of God.

The Jerusalem Council

The Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15, addressed the question of Gentile conversion and the requirements for their inclusion in the church. The council concluded that Gentiles should not be burdened with the full yoke of the Mosaic Law but should abstain from certain practices. This decision affirmed the sufficiency of faith in Christ for salvation and the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers.

Conclusion

The conversion of the Gentiles and their inclusion as offerings to God is a testament to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. This theme underscores the universality of the gospel and the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, as all are called to be part of the body of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 15:16
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jew and Gentile
... in the work of God and the conversion of the ... success that had attended their ministry
among the Gentiles. ... who made frequent sacrifices and offerings to idols. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 19 jew and gentile.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... honour of his own institution for the conversion of sinners ... if any man be found among
the Gentiles, who fears ... Most High did not reject his offerings, because he ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

The Council of Jerusalem.
... accounts for the prediction of the conversion of the ... because they were used by the
Gentiles in their ... The Psalmist speaks of their "drink-offerings of blood ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvi the council of.htm

The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi.
... THE CONVERSION OF THE JAILOR OF PHILIPPI. ... retains some degree of authority among
the Gentiles, they must ... I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves of ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xviii the conversion of.htm

The Prophecies
... Reprobation of the Jews and conversion of the Gentiles."Is.65: "I ... when I brought
them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xi the prophecies.htm

Corinth
... was the antitype of all the sacrificial offerings, and that ... The conversion and baptism
of Crispus had the effect ... that he witnessed among the Gentiles, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 24 corinth.htm

Acts xi. 19
... For they receive the offerings sent from them ... now transformed into the great apostle
to the Gentiles. The conversion of Cornelius must have occurred about eight ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxv acts xi 19.htm

Acts XXI
... subject that they were before the conversion of Cornelius ... like Peter's in regard
to the Gentiles; for he ... wrong, in his connection with the offerings of these ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm

Hope for the Heathen
... The apostle to the Gentiles, in his letter to the ... And her conversion was not an isolated
case of God's ... in My house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 31 hope for the.htm

The Acts of the Apostles.
... testimony of the Apostle of the Gentiles in the ... after three years [counting from
his conversion] I went ... by devout pilgrims and adorned with votive offerings. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 85 the acts of.htm